TED: How to win at evolution and survive a mass extinction | Lauren Sallan

The video explores the concept of evolutionary success, highlighting that humans are among the few species that have survived mass extinctions. It delves into the role of fossils in understanding evolutionary patterns and focuses on the Devonian period and the Hangenberg event, where 96% of fish species perished. The video discusses how some species adapted and thrived post-extinction, while others became 'living fossils.' It concludes by emphasizing that as long as some species survive, life will continue to evolve, albeit over millions of years.

What percentage of species that have ever lived are now extinct?

• 1%

• 75%

• 50%

• 99%

What does the speaker use to study evolutionary patterns?

• Climate models

• Satellite imagery

• Fossil records

• Genetic data

During which period did the Hangenberg event occur?

• Devonian

• Cretaceous

• Jurassic

• Triassic

What was the impact of the Hangenberg event on fish species?

• Only freshwater fish survived

• 96% of fish species died

• 50% of fish species died

• All fish species survived

What strategy did some species adopt to thrive after the Hangenberg event?

• Becoming larger and storing energy

• Living fast and reproducing rapidly

• Staying in the same habitat

• Avoiding new foods

What term does the speaker use to describe species that failed to innovate?

• Extinct species

• Living fossils

• Survivors

• Evolutionary dead ends

What does the speaker suggest about the future of life after mass extinctions?

• Life will never recover

• All species will go extinct

• Only a few species will survive

• Life will recover in new forms